New Familiar Abenakis and English Dialogues: The First Vocabulary Ever Published in the Abenakis Language - Paperback

by Abenakis Chief Joseph Laurent (Author), Mint Editions (Contribution by)

"The writer hopes that many of the white people will be glad to avail themselves of the advantage and facility thus afforded to them for becoming acquainted in some measure, and with very little trouble, with that truly admirable language of those Aborigines called Abenakis, which, from the original word Wanaki means; peasant or inhabitant from the East."

At a time when the Abenaki had little to no written documentation of their language, Joseph Laurent, Chief of the Abenaki reserve of Odanak, came forth to produce a translational dictionary, that was both the first of its kind and one of a kind. Unique in its approach to translation, New Familiar Abenakis and English Dialogues is a linguistical journey intertwined with Abenaki culture that offers a study of Indigenous names and naming conventions, the Abenaki alphabet and modifications of verbs, as well as an essential key to understanding the pronunciations of the words therein.

Professionally typeset with a beautifully designed cover, this edition is a classic of Native and Indigenous literature reimagined for the modern reader.

Back Jacket

At a time when the Abenaki had little to no written documentation of their language, Joseph Laurent, Chief of the Abenaki reserve of Odanak, came forth to produce New Familiar Abenakis and English Dialogues. Intended to aid the younger generation in learning English, as well as preserve the culture and language of their people, the dictionary is an extraordinary achievement in linguistic and language education.